Insulinoma Support Network - Home

Welcome to the Insulinoma Support Network

Sharing knowledge and experiences of insulinomas

The aim of this site is to create an insulinoma community, raise awareness and to provide up to date, easily accessible information. To date, most of the information on insulinomas is grouped with other rare neuroendocrine tumours. This site will provide a unique platform by bringing together information on this rare condition in one place.

We recognise that many visitors to this site will be outside the UK. Everyone, wherever you are from, is welcome to share your personal experience of an insulinoma. Join a worldwide community of people who have been diagnosed with an insulinoma and find out more from their experience byjoining our Facebook Group.

The more we share the more we learn about Insulinomas

What are insulinomas?

Insulinomas are a rare type of functional neuroendocrine tumour usually found in the pancreas. They are called functional because they produce insulin and cause blood sugar levels to drop, quite often dramatically and in 'episodes.'

Even the smallest tumours can cause symptoms connected to hypoglycemia (the medical term for low blood glucose levels). The vast majority are benign (with no spread beyond the pancreas). However, 10% are malignant and by the time of diagnosis will have spread elsewhere in the body, usually the liver. The tumours are generally diagnosed in middle age and slightly more women are affected. If an insulinoma is suspected you may also be screened for a genetic condition called MEN1.

Copyright and Content: Content on this site has been sourced from the NET Patient Foundation that supports people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours and their families.For further information visit: www.netpatientfoundation.com